Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is located at ul. Lipowa 4 in the Zabłocie district and is one of the most visited branches of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow — it’s worth planning your visit in advance and allowing at least 1.5–2 hours. The walk from the Main Market takes about 30–40 minutes (2.5–3 km), depending on your pace and stops along the way.
This article gives a practical, friendly all-day walking route, ticket tips, recommended places for coffee and lunch, and common mistakes you can easily avoid.
1. Start in the morning at the Main Market Square: see St. Mary’s Basilica (a short stop for the bugle call), the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the surrounding streets. It’s a good place for your first coffee before a longer walk. 2. Walk along Grodzka Street toward Wawel: a short visit to Wawel (the courtyard, the cathedral) — if you want to go inside, add extra time and expect possible queues. 3. Walk to Kazimierz: follow św. Tomasza Street and cross the Bernatek Footbridge (or go along the riverside boulevards) to reach the former Jewish district. In Kazimierz you’ll find synagogues, Plac Nowy and atmospheric alleys full of cafés and galleries. 4. Lunch in Kazimierz: choose a well-rated place around Plac Nowy — you’ll find both local flavors and international options, friendly for most tastes. 5. In the afternoon head to Zabłocie: from there it’s a short walk to Schindler’s Factory (Lipowa 4). Plan 1.5–2 hours for the museum visit — the exhibition is intense and layered. 6. After the Factory visit you can go to MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) in the same complex or cross to Podgórze by Plac Bohaterów Getta to see sites connected with the district’s history. 7. End the day relaxing by the Vistula, enjoy a quiet dinner in one of Zabłocie’s restaurants or return to Kazimierz for the evening atmosphere. Estimated walking times and distances (on foot, without long stops): Market → Wawel: ~10–15 min; Wawel → Kazimierz: ~15 min; Kazimierz → Schindler’s Factory: ~20–30 min. Remember your pace and the number of stops will change the plan.
The former Oskar Schindler enamel factory houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Krakow during the 1939–1945 occupation. The display combines personal testimonies, photographs, documents and reconstructions of urban spaces — the visit is emotional and requires time. Entry is often managed with a limited number of visitors at once, so online reservations are convenient and safer.
Inside you’ll see, among other things, Schindler’s reconstructed office, documents and materials about Krakow’s inhabitants from that period, and multimedia presentations. Many visitors need 1.5 to 2 hours to go through the exhibition at a comfortable pace and read the main panels.
After the Factory, consider spending another 45–90 minutes at MOCAK if you’re interested in contemporary art, or take a walk through the industrial Zabłocie area and along the riverside boulevards.
Buy tickets online in advance — the quickest way to avoid disappointment (the number of places in the exhibition can be limited). The museum usually makes tickets available for specific time slots before the visit; if you don’t find availability online, the ticket office sometimes sells same-day tickets, but that’s risky during the high season.
Check opening hours before your visit — they can vary by season. The last admission usually takes place earlier than the official closing time, so plan to avoid a very shortened visit.
Consider baggage and security restrictions: leave large bags at your hotel or use luggage storage services if available. The museum provides accessibility features for people with limited mobility, but check details in advance.
Beware of ticket resellers: in recent years some intermediaries buy large blocks of tickets — the safest option is to purchase directly through the museum’s official system or at the ticket office (which sells tickets for the day as long as they are available).
If you plan to combine the visit with other distant attractions (e.g. Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau), remember those are separate, full-day trips and should not be mixed with a full walking city itinerary on the same day.
For breakfast or coffee near the Market: Nowa Prowincja — a cozy café with a long tradition and excellent hot chocolate; a lovely way to start the day.
In Kazimierz for lunch or an early dinner: Plac Nowy 1 — a large venue in the heart of Plac Nowy, known for a varied menu and friendly atmosphere; a good option for groups and families. Around Kazimierz you’ll also find many small, highly-rated restaurants serving local and international dishes — consider reserving a table for the afternoon, especially at weekends.
After visiting the Factory and MOCAK: if you want a calm coffee, look for local roaster cafés recommended in the city — good coffee shops are scattered across the Old Town and Kazimierz. For dinner consider restaurants in Zabłocie or return to Kazimierz, where the evening atmosphere is unique.
If you’d like a less touristy evening, ask a recommended café or your hotel for the latest tips — popular places open and close over time, so choose venues with many positive reviews.
- MOCAK: the Museum of Contemporary Art is in the same complex as Schindler’s Factory — a natural add-on for those interested in modern art.
- Plac Bohaterów Getta and Podgórze: a short visit to Plac Bohaterów Getta, a walk through Podgórze and views of the bridges over the Vistula help to understand how different parts of the city connect historically.
- Vistula boulevards: if the weather is good, a stroll down to the river and a moment of relaxation after an intense day is a perfect ending.
1) Not allowing enough time in the museum — Schindler’s Factory requires focus; plan at least 90 minutes and don’t expect to “run through” the exhibition in 30 minutes.
2) Not booking tickets in the season — buy in advance or be ready for queues at the ticket office; if you need a specific time slot, reserve ahead.
3) Too few breaks and too much walking without preparation — bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and plan coffee/snack breaks. Krakow has many charming cafés ideal for short rests.
4) Ignoring opening hours and closed days — some museums and exhibitions have non-standard hours or regular closed days (for example, certain Mondays) — check before you go.
How long does the whole route take? — Depending on pace: 6 to 10 hours including breaks and lunch. If you plan longer visits inside Wawel, the Factory or MOCAK, count on a full day.
Do I have to buy a ticket online? — It’s the best option, especially in season; if tickets are sold out online you can try the ticket office the same day, but it’s risky.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? — Much of the city center is accessible, and Schindler’s Factory and MOCAK state they offer facilities; still, check specific accessibility details before visiting.
Can I take photos in the museum? — Parts of the Schindler’s Factory exhibition restrict photography; respect the museum’s rules and the exhibition regulations.
Schindler’s Factory is not only a place tied to the film "Schindler’s List" — many original elements and the owner’s office have been preserved, and the exhibition also shows everyday life of Krakow’s inhabitants under occupation, which often surprises visitors.
If you want to avoid crowds in contemporary museums, check days and times when admission is cheaper or free — some institutions announce free days or “quiet hours.”
Finally: Kazimierz has a very different character at night than during the day — if you plan dinner, consider returning to Plac Nowy or one of the atmospheric restaurants in the evening.
If you liked this route plan — share the article with friends or on social media to help them plan a day in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a private guide, I encourage you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her offer and contact are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Private guiding is a great choice when you want a personalized route, more historical context or logistical help.
Good luck planning your walk and have a wonderful day in Krakow!
